Common Safety Mistakes in the Workplace

One of the most important jobs as a business owner is ensuring that your employees have a safe place to work at all times. Most people already know about liability accidents like trips, falls, or repetitive stress injuries. However, there are many other common workplace safety risks that you may not have thought about.

Additionally, you may consider a security audit from Sonitrol to be sure everything is in working order. An audit, coupled with the instances below, can keep your business and employees safe.

Fire Risks

Fires cause billions of dollars in damages every year and no business is completely immune from that risk. In addition to having safe workplace standards like only allowing smoking in restricted areas, make sure that flammable materials are removed quickly and don’t pile up. Keep oily rags in a metal container. Bins with recyclables like paper and cardboard boxes should be emptied frequently.

Additionally, make sure that your fire alarm system is up-to-date with the latest technology and standards. Look for a system that goes beyond simple alarms and detectors. You should consider temperature monitoring for places like walk-in freezers, duct detection, and a fully integrated array of water sprinklers.

Electrical Hazards

Unsafe use of electricity can also cause problems. There are the most obvious risks of electrocution or fire, but power fluctuations can also effect the electronics in your office. A major power surge can damage a valuable piece of equipment, while an unexpected power outage can result in loss of work.

How can you minimize the risks of potential electrical hazards?

Educate your employees. Be sure that they understand when to safely use extension cords and not to overload power strips.

Perform routine inspections of outlets and wiring. Ask your employees to let you know if they see issues like frayed wires or malfunctioning light fixtures or equipment.

Have proper safety equipment on hand. If an electrical fire occurs, you’ll need a specific sort of fire extinguisher to put it out.

Security Risks

Another major safety mistake is not having adequate security measures in place. The days of when a lock and key were enough to protect your office are long gone. If you have a large space or one that receives frequent visitors, consider a managed access system. This uses keycards to monitor activity within the building and limit access to certain areas based on clearance. For example, the only people who are allowed into the maintenance room are those with the approved keycard.

You will also need a full alarm system. Educate your employees on how to use it, and have a procedure that the last one out of the office needs to set it correctly. When choosing an alarm system, look for a company that provides 24 hour service. Audio detection is just as important as security cameras and it can help stop a potential problem before it escalates. Digital video systems also provide the next level of protection by letting you monitor your property remotely.